A sonorous and erudite symphonic death metal outfit based out of Crema, Italy, Genus Ordinis Dei was founded in 2011 by professional music instructors Nick K. (vox & guitars), Tommy Mastermind (guitars & orchestra), Steven F. Olda (bass), and Richard Meiz (drums). The group independently released their self-produced and narrative-driven (it was to be the second act in a planned trilogy) debut, The Middle, in 2013. The following year saw the band enlist production help from friend and frequent tour mate Marco Coti Zelati (Lacuna Coil), resulting in the release of an eponymous EP in 2016 via Danish label Mighty Music. In 2017, the group inked a deal with U.S. label Eclipse Records, and released a sophomore effort, Great Olden Dynasty, which featured a guest vocal from Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia on the track "Salem" and production by Simone Mularoni (Luca Turilli's Rhapsody, DGM). ~ James Christopher Monger